Identity Theft Threatens Church

December 1, 2005An Augusta church worries about identity theft. More than 150 donations from the offering plate are missing. Police are searching for bags of personal checks now missing. A contracted courier service reported the bags missing. News 12 is on your side with why thieves are after more than your money when they steal your checks.

Keep a close eye on your checking account, because you never know who may have access. A $16,000 deposit made by Stevens Creek Community Church is among the checks now missing. Executive Pastor Gene Jennings and several others on staff called a hundred and twenty families this past week.

“To be sure and alert everyone their account might be compromised and to watch their account,” Jennings said.

First National Bank and Trust’s contracted courier service reported the deposit bags missing last week.

“We recommend you close down the account and open a new account,” said Customer Service Director Barbara Wellsol.

You account could be drained if the thief changes the dollar amount. But the problem is worse than that. The thief isn't usually as interested in the dollar amount on the check. What they're probably after is the tracking number or the account number on the bottom.

They can use it to reorder checks in your name, get access to all of your personal information, and destroy your credit. Captain Steve Morris warns there may not be much you can do to prevent this., Many companies have access to your account and social security numbers.

“It only takes one bad employee at one of those businesses to create problems for you for years,” Morris said.

Banks want you to watch every transaction that shows up on your statement, because you never know who’s spending your money.

If you think someone may have your information, you can check the Georgia Stop Identity Theft Network at www.stopidentitytheft.org.

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